How to Delete Files Using the Terminal in Mac OS X

You can delete files and folders directly from within the Terminal in Mac OS X. There are times when troublesome files and folders will not delete using the standard method of moving them to the trash and then emptying your user trash. Learn how to delete files using the Terminal in Mac OS X.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   The terminal application in your utilities folder

   In an open Finder window, navigate to “Application/Utilities/ Terminal” and double-click the Terminal application to launch it.

2. 
   The command in an open terminal window

   In an open terminal window type in the following command: sudo rm –f Leave an extra space after the end of the above command, following the “R.” To delete a folder, type in “sudo rm –rf” without the quotes.

3. 
   Drag and drop the file you wish to delete to the terminal window

   Drag and drop the file(s) you wish to delete onto the open terminal window from Step 3. The files you drop on the terminal window will be deleted. You can drag and drop multiple files and folders onto the terminal window.

Tips & Warnings

• Be extra careful with the files you are deleting using this method. You are deleting the files using a “Super User” command. Deletion of files and folders using this method cannot be undone.